Ongoing Statewide Testing

MDC began statewide CWD surveillance of free-ranging deer in 2001 when the deadly disease began spreading to nearby states.

MDC has tested more than 100,000 free-ranging deer tested so far.

MDC continues to test deer on a statewide level to help detect new areas of infection as soon as possible.

MDC works with taxidermists in about half of the state each year – alternating the north half and south half. MDC also tests deer around the state that appear sick.

2017-2018 Sampling Results

Last season, MDC tested nearly 24,500 deer for CWD and found 33 new cases for a total of 75 cases in Missouri.

Of the 33 new cases, 16 were from hunter-harvested deer, 1 was from a road-killed deer, and 16 were found through post-season targeted culling.

CWD Cases Found in Free-Ranging Deer

This table shows the number of CWD cases found in Missouri free-ranging deer by year and county prior to the current testing season.

CWD Detections Through April 6, 2018

County

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

County Totals

Totals

5

5

0

16

7

9

33

75

Adair

6

3

1

3

13

Cedar

1

1

Cole

1

1

Franklin

1

3

4

8

Jefferson

1

1

2

Linn

1

7

8

Macon

5

5

0

9

2

2

3

26

Perry

1

1

Polk

3

3

St. Clair

2

4

6

Ste Genevieve

6

6

CWD Sampling Near Arkansas

More than 300 cases of CWD have been found in deer and elk in northwest Arkansas since early 2016. This has prompted MDC to increase CWD surveillance efforts in southwest Missouri. No deer from southern Missouri have tested positive for the disease.

First Cases of CWD in Missouri

The first cases of CWD in Missouri were detected in 2010 and 2011 in captive deer at private big-game breeding and hunting facilities in Linn and Macon counties. A total of 11 cases were confirmed in captive deer at the facilities.

What MDC is doing to Slow the Spread of CWD

MDC works with hunters, landowners, taxidermists, and others through mandatory and voluntary sampling to collect tissue samples for CWD testing in areas where CWD has been found.

MDC conducts broader, ongoing statewide testing for CWD and focuses on one-half of the state each year.

MDC has removed the antler-point restriction for counties in the CWD Management Zone because young bucks can spread the disease to new areas as they search for territory and mates.

MDC allows the use of two firearms antlerless permits in counties in the CWD Management Zone to help prevent undesired population increases in local deer numbers.

MDC has restricted feeding deer and placing minerals for deer in counties of the CWD Management Zone.

MDC strongly discourages the removal of deer carcasses from counties in the CWD Management Zone.

MDC encourages people to report sick deer to local staff.

What People Can Do To Help

Have deer harvested in the CWD Management Zone tested for CWD through mandatory or voluntary sampling opportunities.

Do not move deer carcasses out of the CWD Management Zone.

Do not feed deer or place minerals for deer.

Report deer that look sick or are acting strange to MDC conservation agents or regional offices.